CA Country Anthems

Belgium National Anthem History

La Brabançonne

The Belgian national anthem, "La Brabançonne," originated in 1830 following the country's independence. Its lyrics were later softened in 1860, and while a specific stanza was decreed official in 1921, no truly official version exists today.

Belgium La Brabançonne

Belgium

Language
French
Anthem
La Brabançonne
Duration
1:03
Status
Although a specific stanza was decreed official in 1921, an official version of "La Brabançonne" does not actually exist, with past commissions failing to establish one.

History timeline

  1. 1830

    Belgium gained independence, leading to the creation of "La Brabançonne" lyrics and music.

  2. Sept 1830

    Louis-Alexandre Dechet wrote the original French lyrics, initially titled 'La Bruxelloise'.

  3. Oct 1830

    The anthem's music, composed by François van Campenhout, was publicly performed for the first time.

  4. 1860

    The original anti-Dutch lyrics were softened, creating the version still widely used today.

  5. 1921

    A decree declared that only the fourth stanza of the 1860 lyrics is officially recognized in French and Dutch.

Despite its long history and status, an actual official version of "La Brabançonne" does not exist, as commissions established to formalize it have failed.